Apollo 17 Objectives

Spacecraft Primary Objectives

1. To perform selenological inspection, survey, and sampling of materials and surface features in a preselected area of the Taurus‑Littrow region. Achieved.

2. To emplace and activate surface experiments. Achieved.

3. To conduct inflight experiments and photographic tasks. Achieved.

Detailed Objectives

1. To obtain (service module) lunar surface photographs and altitude data from lunar orbit. Achieved.

2. To obtain data on the visual light flash phenomenon. Achieved.

3. To obtain (command module) photographs of lunar surface features of scientific interest and photographs of low brightness astronomical and terrestrial sources. Achieved.

4. To record visual observations (from lunar orbit) of particular lunar surface features and processes. Achieved.

5. To obtain data on Apollo spacecraft-induced contamination (Skylab contamination study). Achieved.

6. To obtain data on whole body metabolic gains or losses, together with associated endocrinological controls (food compatibility assessment). Achieved.

7. To obtain data on the use of the protective pressure garment. Achieved.

Experiments

1. Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP V).

a. S‑037: Heat flow experiment. Achieved.

b. S‑202: Lunar ejecta and meteorites experiment. Partially achieved. Operation was restricted during lunar day due to overheating.

c. S‑203: Lunar seismic profiling experiment. Achieved.

d. S‑205: Lunar atmospheric composition experiment. Achieved.

e. S‑207: Lunar surface gravimeter experiment. Partially achieved. Data obtained in the seismic and free oscillation channels only.

2. Collect and document samples and study lunar surface geology. Achieved.

3. S-152:Cosmic ray detector (sheets) experiment. Achieved.

4. S-164: S‑band transponder experiment (command and service module/lunar module). Achieved.

5. S-169: Far ultraviolet spectrometer experiment. Achieved.

6. S-171: Infrared scanning radiometer experiment. Achieved.

7. S-199: Traverse gravimeter experiment. Achieved.

8. S-204: Surface electrical properties experiment. Achieved.

9. S-209: Lunar sounder experiment. Achieved.

10. S-229: Lunar neutron probe experiment. Achieved.

Inflight Demonstrations

Heat flow and convection. Achieved.

Passive Objectives

1. Long‑term lunar surface exposure. Achieved.

2. S‑160: Gamma ray spectrometer. Achieved.

3. S‑176: Apollo window meteoroid. Achieved.

4. S‑200: Soil mechanics. Achieved.

5. M‑211: Biostack IIA. Achieved.

6. M‑212: BIOCORE Achieved.

Operational Tests For Manned Spacecraft Center/Department of Defense.

1. Chapel Bell (classified Department of Defense test).

2. Radar skin tracking.

3. Ionospheric disturbance from missiles.

4. Acoustic measurement of missile exhaust noise.

5. Army acoustic test.

6. Long‑focal‑length optical system.

7. Sonic boom measurement.

8. Skylab Medical Mobile Laboratory.

Launch Vehicle Objectives

1. To launch on a flight azimuth between 72° and 100° and insert the S‑IVB/instrument unit/spacecraft into the planned circular Earth parking orbit. Achieved.

2. To restart the S‑IVB during either the first or second opportunity over the Atlantic and inject the S‑IVB/instrument unit/spacecraft into the planned translunar trajectory. Achieved.

3. To provide the required attitude control for the S‑IVB/instrument unit/spacecraft during transposition, docking, and ejection. Achieved.

4. To perform an evasive maneuver after ejection of the command and service module/lunar module from the S‑IVB/instrument unit. Achieved.

5. To attempt to impact the S‑IVB/instrument unit on the lunar surface within 350 kilometers (189 nautical miles) of latitude 7° south, longitude 8° west. Achieved.

6. To determine actual impact point within 5.0 kilometers (2.7 nautical miles) and time of impact within one second. Achieved.

7. To vent and dump the remaining gases and propellants to safe the S‑IVB/instrument unit. Achieved.

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